🔗 Share this article Wildfires Ravage WA as Temperatures Skyrocket Scorching conditions and raging wildfires have swept through the parched landscape of Western Australia. As mercury levels expected to continue soaring above 40C (104F) over the next few days, a severe alert for extreme heat has been issued across much of the south-west. Widespread Heatwave Alerts Across Multiple States These conditions follow this month's fires in New South Wales, which resulted in the loss of properties and fatalities. Severe heat alerts have additionally been activated for later this week in areas within South Australia and NSW, as a system of high pressure moves eastward, delivering intense sunshine to a broad swath of the area. The combination of extremely dry vegetation and unbroken heat creates a dangerous situation for emergency crews. Global Weather Extremes Cause Disruption Elsewhere, a metropolis was left in blackout last week after strong gusts compromised the urban electrical network, with falling trees knocking out power lines. The weather conditions also caused major travel disruption at a key airport, where numerous flights were grounded. Severe impact on electrical infrastructure is expected to cause ongoing problems as utility companies work urgently to restore power to more than 1 million residents. Unusual Mist Blankets Sunny Area Meanwhile, a valley famed for its sunny weather and plentiful sunshine has experienced one of its dullest and foggiest periods on record. A specific type of fog, which typically lasts for only a short time, has been unusually extensive and long-lasting this year, keeping the mercury at a major airport under 8C for more than a week – the most prolonged period in over three decades. The prolonged fog has been fuelled by exceptional fall precipitation that left the ground waterlogged. Key Factor: Exceptional fall rains saturated the soil. Result: Prolonged and thick mist formation. Impact: Thermal readings remained unseasonably low for an extended time. Severe Weather Delivers Wintry Weather to Holiday Destination Turning to Spain, a powerful storm has ushered in intense rain, strong gales and even snowfall to a set of islands – weather many would not associate with this favored holiday destination. While snow is not unheard of at elevated areas, the system brought some of the deepest accumulations in 2016 to a protected area, compelling its closure. In addition to the snowfall, strong winds from the north buffeted the island chain, with gusts exceeding 50mph recorded on multiple locations. The influence of the weather event is forecast to diminish this week with more typical conditions taking hold.